Ghent

Belgium

Best for: Architecture, History, Chill, Nightlife, Budget Friendly, Photography, Walking Tours

Canals, gabled houses, and a student energy that keeps medieval streets from feeling like a museum. Ghent is Belgium’s cool middle child between Bruges and Brussels.

Climb the Belfry for views, wander the Graslei at dusk, and find a brown bar for a beer. Feels local even when busy, and easy to combine with other Belgian cities.